SUNSHINE COAST STUDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM LABOR’S POSITIVE PLAN FOR UNIVERSITIES

Posted by Kim Carr5sc on November 17, 2015

The University of the Sunshine Coast would be $51 million better off under Labor’s positive plan for Queensland universities than it would be under the Abbott/Turnbull plan for $100,000 degrees.

Under the Abbott/Turnbull Government’s plan to Americanise Australian universities, the University of the Sunshine Coast’s budget would be cut by $55 million and students burdened with a lifetime of debt.

Unlike Malcolm Turnbull, who has “wholeheartedly” (2GB, 5 June 2014) committed to hitting students with $100,000 university degrees, Labor has a plan to invest in every Queensland student to ensure they graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to drive our economy and be prepared for the jobs of the future.

Speaking with students and academic staff at the University of the Sunshine Coast today, Shadow Minister for Higher Education Senator Kim Carr said Labor would boost Australia’s investment in every student by over $4000 per year by 2026, an increase of more than 40 per cent on the Liberals’ plan.

“Labor wants not only to see more Australian’s attending university, but also more to graduate, and without a lifetime of debt. According to new research, almost 25 per cent of students are leaving university with a debt but without a degree.” Senator Carr said.

Senator for Queensland Claire Moore said Labor had an ambitious plan to increase the number of students completing their study by 20,000 graduates a year from 2020.

“Labor is also committed to investing an additional $31 million in the sector regulator, Tertiary Education Quality Standards Australia, to ensure there is a tough cop on the beat when it comes to course quality.” Senator Moore said.

“Labor wants to work with universities like the University of the Sunshine Coast to help them become more responsive to their local communities and to national priorities, especially with regard to the needs of the labour market.”

Only a Shorten Labor Government will deliver the crucial investment in universities that Queensland students need to prepare for the jobs of the future.